Chapter 124
Chapter 124
The phone rang again, making Felicity jump.
She glanced at the screen. The caller ID read “Reporter Hollis,” and her expression grew even more tense.
If Reporter Hollis from Platinum 818 was calling her at this hour, it could only mean trouble.
The persistent ring felt like a death knell, fraying her nerves.
She picked up. “Hello?”
No sooner had Felicity spoken than Hollis launched into a tirade. “Felicity, you’ve ruined me! My press credentials have been revoked!”
Felicity shot back immediately. “How is that my problem? You must have done something illegal yourself!”
Hollis’s voice bristled with indignation. “There’s pressure coming from all sides. My network wants to salvage Platinum 818, so they threw me under the bus and let me go.”
Felicity hesitated for a moment. “Was it The Shaw Group pressuring your company?”
“Not just The Shaw Group!” Hollis’s voice now trembled with panic.
“Felicity! Didn’t you tell me Selene was just a housewife? Even the authorities are protecting her. She’s someone we can’t afford to cross!”
“Bullshit!” Felicity snapped.
“You’re the one who couldn’t manage the narrative!” she accused, then added coldly, “Forget it. I won’t count on you for this anymore. I’ll handle Selene myself.”
The day before the ALI Math Competition results were announced, Luke Holloway took Selene and Daph hiking in the hills.
At six in the morning, dawn was just breaking. Mist curled between the trees, and a cool breeze swept along the mountain path.
Luke strode out in front, wearing a crisp white athletic tee and olive–green joggers. His muscular thighs stretched the fabric taut, but it was his upper body that was truly arresting–broad chest outlined by the snug shirt, strong arms exposed
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Chapter 124
beneath the short sleeves, every line and curve speaking of disciplined strength.
Selene had tied her jacket around her waist. Head down, she focused on putting one foot in front of the other, careful not to let her gaze stray up ahead.
Every step Luke took drew her attention in spite of herself; the way his pants hugged his form was enough to set her heart racing.
Daph walked beside Selene. After about ten minutes of climbing, the little girl started keeping a close eye on her mother, who was already out of breath.
“Come on, Mommy! You can do it!”
“One more step, Mommy! You’re amazing! Just a little bit further–keep going!”
Her bright, childish voice echoed through the valley.
With Daph’s encouragement, Selene felt like a toddler learning to walk again. She was gasping for air, her legs numb and heavy. Daph held her hand tight, guiding her step by step up the stone stairs.
Luke stopped and turned back to look at them.
“I’ll carry you up,” he offered.
If he carried Selene, he wouldn’t have to slow down his pace anymore. With her on his back, he could move swiftly up the trail, and Daph, energetic as ever, would have no trouble keeping up.
But Selene shook her head.
“Mommy, let me carry you!” Daph volunteered brightly. At school, she could easily hold two friends by the hand and piggyback a third–she wanted to try carrying her
mom too.
Selene shook her head so hard it was almost comical.
“When you’re a little bigger, Mommy will let you carry her. For now–ha!” Selene took a deep breath, sweat trickling down her face. “Just hold onto me, that’s enough!”
Daph became her walking stick, holding Selene steady as they continued up the mossy path.
All the way, Daph’s cheerful chatter filled the air as she recounted stories from school. Aside from her slightly parched throat, Daph’s breathing was still even and
easy.
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“Luke, you go on ahead,” Selene managed between gasps. “Daph and I will take it slow–enjoy the scenery along the way.”
Luke glanced up at the stairs vanishing into mist, then nodded.
“All right, I’ll meet you at the top.”
Serenity Church, perched atop Veilcrest Mountain, was a famous landmark in the
city. Local legend held that those who climbed the mountain on foot for the first morning prayer, after measuring every step with sincere effort, would have their wishes granted.
To claim the first prayer of the day, Luke had no choice but to leave Selene and Daph behind for now.
“Don’t worry, Uncle!” Daph waved after him. “I’ll take good care of Mommy!”
She held Selene’s hand, matching her mother’s pace step by step up the stairs.
“Dames says I could knock out a wild boar with one punch. Mommy, do you think there are wild boars up here? If one shows up, I’ll see if I can knock it flying.”
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